aka Giant Runts or Roman Pigeons

A Runt PigeonPhoto courtesy of Jason Mandich

The Runt is, strangely, the largest of the pigeons, averaging 2 1/2 pounds with exceptional birds reaching 3 1/2. It is also one of the oldest breeds, with birds of very similar type being described in Roman days.

Although it is a slow breeder, and so not used commercially, its blood has been diffused into many of the commercial squab breeds to increase their size.